Monogram



Aug. 18, 1953 WALTER NUSSBAUM 2,648,923

NOW BY CHANGE OF NAME WALTER BRENT MONOGRAM Filed Dec. 24, 1949 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 5*.T' Z I 1 U11] HII ||||r" //a j INVENTOR. MATE/P AJJJflAI/l Aug. 18, 1953 WALTER NUSSBAUM 2,648,923

, NOW BY CHANGE OF NAME WALTER BRENT MONOGRAM Filed Dec. 24, 1949 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 E f- 25 5 W M o 4% l2 52 Eg5 J Patented Aug. 18, 1953 MONOGRAM Walter Nussbaum, New York, N. Y.; now by change. of name Walter Brent Application December 24, 1949, Serial No. 134,883 In Great Britain October 14, 1949 6 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to monograms made of any suitable mass, such as metal, plastics, wood, glass and like formable hollow or solid material.

Heretofore, a comparatively great number of difierent letter types had to be stocked, inorder to enable the retail store to supply on demand a required specific monogram to a customer. For example, if each monogram consists of two letters and if, as in most cases, the sequence of the letters is essential, then there exist 676 different letter combinations, of which at least one sample each has to be kept on stock so that any one of the possible two-letter combinations may be supplied on demand.

To manufacture a selected monogram a con siderable amount of time and labor is necessary. Such monogram is rather expensive taking into consideration the amount of labor required, for design and cutting.

The present invention tends to considerably reduce the stock by employing single letters only but which are capable of being combined and united to form a desired monogram. It will easily be seen that if the monogram consists of two letters, two samples of each letter, that is to say, only 52 letter units have to be stocked so as to enable any desired two-letter monogram to be supplied on demand.

The invention accordingly contemplates letter units made of any suitable material such as metal, plastics, Wood or glass, which represent letters of the alphabet or numbers, characters, indicia and the like (hereinafter termed for the sake of simplicity letter or letters). Each letter unit further comprises means for attaching any one of the letter units to any one or more of another unit or units so as to form a monogram.

It is, therefore, one of the objects of the -in-= vention to provide monogram structures, which are composed of two, three or more individually prefabricated letters made of any suitable material, such as metal, wood, leather, plastic or plastic composition, glass, paper and like mass.

It is another object of the invention to provide means facilitating a number of letters of the alphabet to be arranged with one another that various desired combinations of letters may be had, each letter having one or more parts crossing or merging with one or more parts of each of the immediately adjoining letter or letters.

It is a further object of this invention to provide means affording the composition of two or 2 more letters, which are fastened together at their points of intersection to thereby form one-piece monogram structures of aesthetical, artistic and ornamental appearance.

A further object of the present invention is to provide means ensuring a considerably reduced stock of only 2, 3 or 4 alphabets to enable a retail store to supply two-, threeor four-letter monograms by unskilled employees.

An important object of the invention is also to provide means rendering possible the manufacture of individual letters on automatic inachines at relatively low cost and with mass pro duction methods.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of means bringing about an impression on the purchaser that the monogram has been especially made to order. The appearance of the multi-lettered monogram structure will be that the combined letters give the impression of one single piece, rather than pieced together from single prefabricated units.

Another salient feature of the invention is, that the letters are so formed and shaped that although they are intertwining and/or interweaving at crossing points, top and bottom faces of the monogram structure are substantially uniplanar over the entire extent or area thereof. Furthermore, all letters of the alphabet can be made of substantially the same size, height, width, thickness, so that only a set of 26 tools isnecessary to manufacture an alphabet of :26 letters, fitted to be combined with each other.

A monogram according to the present invention can be formed of as many letters as required. There is no limit to the number of individual letters, so that the whole words of any number of letters can be so produced on demand and in the retail shop by any salesperson. The letters of such monograms may all be different or all the same.

The invention further contemplates the following features, which are essential:

The attaching means may comprise groove or grooves in each unit for receiving a complementary part or parts of another unit. The units may beheld together .simply by friction but'additional means may be provided for fixing the units together. The additional fixing means may comprise screws, clamps, nuts or slides for holding the units of the monogram together. Alternatively, in the'caseo-f plastics or wood the units may be glued together. For this purpose, an adhesi-ve may be provided, preferably in one of the grooves; the adhesive may either be ready for 3 use or may need moistening and/or slight heating for rendering it tacky.

According to the invention, the units may be so designed that the letters represented comprise down-strokes or more generally thick strokes in one direction and up-strokes or more generally thin strokes extending in another direction, a groove being provided on one or more of the thick strokes of each unit and extending in that other direction, whereby a portion of a thin stroke of a unit may be embedded in a groove of another unit. Preferably, such groove is provided at the back or the unit, that is to say, at that side of the unit which isordinarily not visible, when the monogram is in use.

The groove and the thin stroke intended to cooperate therewith may be so designed that when said portion of the thin stroke is embedded in the groove, the monogram formed is even or flush at its back. Each unit may comprise a number of grooves on the same and/or difierent thick strokes, the arrangement of the grooves on the unit being such that at least one of the grooves may receive a portion of a thin stroke of any one of the other units (which may, of course, represent the same letter as that represented by the first unit).

With some designs of the letters, a plurality of grooves of one unit may receive each a different thin stroke of another unit in such a manner that the units forming the monogram are intertwined, whereby, particularly if the units are made of somewhat flexible material, the units are held together by friction.

According to the invention the letters may each have strokes of substantially the same width, and each groove of the units engages an insert member releasably embedded in the groove so as to render the respective surface of the unit even and to fill the grooves. Before attaching a unit to another unit, only the appropriate insert member or members of the groove or grooves needed for the attachment is or are removed. As in this case the grooves when not utilized are filled by the insert members which may be arranged at the front of each unit instead at the back.

Another feature of the invention is to provide means ensuring the coupling together of,'say, three letters (designating first name, middle name and surname) in any desired sequence of six possible different combinations (ABC, ACB, BAC, BCA, CAB and CBA, for example).

Still a further feature of the invention resides in the provision of means rendering the possibility of grouping closely together and combining a plurality of letters within a minimum of space.

A further advantage of the invention is to provide means affording flexibility in the design of a multi-lettered monogram to comply with the requirements of the customer or commensurate with a given space on a support on which such monogram structure is to be mounted or fixed.

According to this invention, any multi-lettered monogram or word can be formed without a frame, bar or any other means of support, each prefabricated letter of the monogram having incorporated therein attaching or interlocking means for the purpose of connecting with an adjacent letter or letters.

These attaching means may consist of a groove or grooves for engagement with a complementary part of another or adjacent letter to thereby join these letters together, simply by friction or spring action. Other means comprise glue, screws, bolts, clamps, nuts, etc. or the letters may readily and frictionally slide into each other. It will depend to a certain extent on the material used what kind of means should be employed to hold the individual letters together.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention will be hereinafter more fully described and the combination and arrangement of parts will be shown in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims which form part of the specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front-elevational view of three letters of the alphabet, namely, F, B and G, embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a view of the letters of Fig. 1 as seen from above;

Fig. 3 is a view of the letters of Fig. l as seen from the bottom thereof;

Fig. 4 is a rear-elevational view of the letters of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a rear-elevational view of the letters of Fig. 1 in intertwined position;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6- of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a front-elevational view of the letters of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken along line 88 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Figs. 10 and 11 show the letters of Fig. 1 in a modified position with respect to each other, Fig. 11 showing the sequence of these letters differently arranged;

Fig. 12 shows the connection of the three letters 13 of the alphabet with each other and in modified form;

Fig. 13 is a top plan view of one of the letters B as employed in this invention;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line i i-I4 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 15 shows diagrammatically a portion of a letter of the alphabet made in accordance with this invention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there are shown in Fig. 1 the letters F, B and G, designated by numerals 18, H and !2. All these letters have heavy strokes or stroke portions l3, 13a, I317; it, Ma, Mb; l5, [5a, 151), I50; and thin strokes I6, Isa; i1, Ha, Mb; 18, I811, [812. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the heavy strokes [3a and is are provided with grooves 19, 20 and 2|, respectively, whereas the heavy strokes 14a, lb and I A are, respectively provided with grooves or recesses 22, 23, 25 and 25. Similarly, the letter G with heavy strokes i5c, l5 and l5a is provided with grooves 26, '27 and 28 whereas, in this particular structure, the heavy stroke ['51) is devoid of a groove. A groove is likewise absent in the heavy stroke portion ltb of the letter F. It will be observed that all the grooves l9, 2|, 22, 24 and 21' are substantially in alignment with each other with the letters Ii], H and 12 arranged at the same level; and similarly grooves 20, 23, 25, 25 and 28 are arranged in aligned position with respect to each other;

According to the invention, letters le, H and i2 may be variously arranged with respect to each other and in interconnected positions as seen in Figs. 7, 10 and 11; Fig. 5 showing a rearelevational view of the combination of letters as exemplified in Fig. 7. r r

It can be readily recognized that light stroke .5 [6a of the letter I comes to lie in groove 24 of the letter ll; while thin stroke [1 of letter H engages the groove 20 of letter Ill. Similarly, the thin stroke of letter II is in engagement with groove 28 of letter I2 and the thin stroke ill) of letter ll engages the groove 2? of letter I2. Likewise, the thin stroke lSa of the letter l'2 comes to lie in groove 22 of letter N and the thin stroke I8 of letter l2 engages groove 23 of letter II. It will be seen from Fig. '7 which is a front-elevational view of the letter combination I6, H and [2 as shown in Fig. 5, that an intertwining relationship of the connected letters In, H and I2 is achieved.

As further indicated in Fig. 5 and for the sake of clarity shown in one example, thin stroke [8 may be retained in position in groove 23 by means of a latch 30 which consists of a pivot pin or screw 3| rotatably retaining a latch plate 32, whereby this latch plate may be positioned to extend above thin stroke [8 engaging the groove 23, as more clearly seen in Fig. 6. It will immediately become apparent that instead of the latch 39 any other retaining means may be employed to maintain the combination of the letters as shown in various positions with respect to each other. It is further to be noted that the grooves may be so shaped and dimensioned that the thin strokes of the letters frictionally engage respective grooves and are retained therein with sufiicient retaining effect so that a stable and firm monogram structure is achieved.

If desired, and if the letters are made from wood, for instance, a suitable glue or other adhesive may be employed to permanently hold the letters in desired sequence and combination and in position with respect to each other. Figs. 19 and 11 show typical examples of the letters 58, H and I2 in two of many possible combinational relationships.

It will be observed that despite the fact that the letters of the monogram are intertwined, the surfaces of the letters at the top as well as at the bottom are substantially flush (see dotted line of Fig. 8).

It is preferred to hollow out the thin strokes of the letters in order to facilitate the intertwining or interengaging connection between the letters, the thin strokes extending substantially in a plane perpendicular to the thick strokes. The grooves extend from end to end of the thick strokes, but in transverse direction thereto, and

more specifically in the direction of the thin strokes.

While in Figs. 1 to 11 the rear surfaces of the letters are provided with grooves for interconnection of the letters to constitute a monogram, Figs. 12 to 15 show the execution of the invention having grooves or recesses on the top surfaces thereof. As can be seen from Figs. 12 and 14, the letters 40, M and 42 are provided with rhinestones or similar gems or jewels 43. In the letter B, for instance (Fig. 13), score lines 44 are provided dividing the letter into small areas. Some of these predetermined, preferably block-shaped areas are removable so as to provide, for example, slots or grooves 44a, 44b, 44c,

As will be seen from Fig. 12, the slot 44a, is employed to accommodate an insert member or portion 45 of letter 4| whereas the groove 44b of letter 4| embraces an insert member or portion 46 of letter 42, and groove 44d of letter 42 engages insert member 4'! of letter 4!. In this particular instance, grooves 44b and 44c (Fig.

to view when the monogram is in use. grooveis intended to reoeivea portion of'thethin 6, 13.). are filled and closed by respective removable, block-shaped insert members 48 and 49..

Fig. 15 is a perspective and fragmentary view of the upper portion of the letter 42- with the slot 44a between adjacent fixed, block-shaped portions 50 and 51 carrying the jewels 43. The slot 44a is deep enough to accommodate the next adjacent portion 45 of letter 4| ,as seen in Fig. 12, the strap part 52' extending across the aforesaid fixed portions 50 and 5.1 and being provided with a bore, preferably a threaded bore .53 for engagement with a screw bolt 54 with countersunk head. Thus, portion 43 in position from below strap part 52a. of letter 41 (similar to strap part 52 of letter 42) may be affixed in relation to the aforesaid portions 50, 5|.

Fig. 14 further demonstrates the insertion of box-shaped portion 41 of letter 4| from above into groove 44d of letter 42. The fixation of portion 41 may be brought about by means of screw bolt 55 passing through bore 53 for engagement with block 41, as is well understood. Jewels or gems 43 are attached to the surfaces of removable portions 46, 41, etc. in any desired fashion and manner so as to be complementary to ad jacent outlined fixed jewel-studded areas or portions, divided by score lines 44.

In the embodiment just referred to the intersecting portions of the latter units engage each other either from above (portion 45) or from underneath (portions 46, 41) in recesses or grooves so that completely flush top andbottom surfaces of the composite monogram or like structure are attained.

Monograms of the above described nature may be used in various industries, such as jewelry (brooches, clips, pins or ornaments); handand travelling-bags, purses, wallets, belts, cigarette cases; powder compacts, writing pads, brushes, combs and other articles and objects (automobiles, etc.)

The combined letters or indicia may further be used for industrial purposes, for example, as stencils in connection with engraving machines in which the stylus follows the monogram pattern, or for screening glass, paper, textiles etc. according to the stencil forming monogram or word.

The first specific embodiment refers to letters with two different thicknesses of strokes although it will be clearly understood that the same'censtruction is possible with letters where the strokes are of the same thickness. A script alphabet has been employed in the present application although any form of alphabets, such as block letters, Gothic, Roman or any other fancy style may be used.

In the one specific embodiment the lettters are so designed that they consist of slanting, thick down-strokes (generally ext-ending in downward direction) and thin up-strokes (generally directed horizontally). At least one groove is provided in one or more thick stroke portions of each letter and extending in the direction of the thin strokes.

The grooves'are preferred to extend in the rear side of the letters which is ordinarily not-exposed Each stroke of an adjoining-letter. The thin strokes may extend at-alevel a little lower-than that of the thick strokes to enable the portion of the thin stroke to embed completely in the cooperable portion of the thick stroke to achieve substantially even or flush upper and lower or bottom surfaces.

When the portion of the thin stroke of one letter is embedded in the groove of the thick stroke of the other letter, the back faces of these letters are on the same level and completely interengaged. Each letter may comprise a number of grooves in the sam and/or different strokes, the arrangement of the grooves being such that at least one of the grooves will receive the portion of the thin stroke of the adjacent letter. With some designs of the letters, a plurality of grooves of one letter may each receive a difierent part of the thin stroke of the adjacent letter.

If more grooves are provided in the thick strokes, the number of designs of the sequence of three or more letters will be increased in arithmetical progression. For example, ther may be two grooves in the top half and two grooves in the bottom half of the thick stroke.

It is well understood that instead of grooves the letter or letters may have hollows, recesses, channels or the like at the rear or bottom face and/ or top face thereof.

For attaching adjacent letters, a little flexible latch on the back of the letter next to a groove may extend for locking purposes across the groove. When the portion of the thin stroke is inserted in the groove, the flexible latch is positioned across the groove retaining the letters in place and preventing the inserted letter from falling off or moving sideways. An appropriate recess in the thick stroke may be provided to receive and embed therein th latch lever to provide a completely even surface.

It can thus be seen that there has been pro vided in accordance with this invention a monogram or like structure comprising at least two units representing letters of the alphabet and each provided with at least a recess, the recess of the respective unit arranged on the latter so as to receive a predetermined portion of a respective other unit, and means joining said units together at said portion and recess, whereby said units present substantially flush surfaces, at the top and bottom of said units thus joined.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be distinctly understood that various modifications and adaptations of the arrangements herein disclosed may be made as may readily occur to persons skilled in the art without constituting a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the objects and in the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is:

l. A monogram and like structure comprising at least one unit representing one letter of the alphabet and including at least one substantially vertical thick stroke and a thin stroke extending substantially in an angle to said thick stroke, one of said thick strokes being provided with at least one groove, said one groove traversing said thick stroke in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of said thin stroke, said groove being shaped and arranged on said unit to frictionally receive a thin stroke portion of an adjacent and similar unit representing another letter of the alphabet, said thin stroke portion of said adjacent unit being complementary in dimension to said groove to fit and fill the same, whereby said units are joined together and present substantially flush surfaces at the top and bottom of said units thus joined.

2. A monogram and like structure comprising at least two units representing letters of the alphabet and each provided with at least one groove extending into one face only of each unit, the groove of the respective unit being dimensioned and arranged on the latter to receive a predetermined portion of the respective other unit, said portion being complementary in dimension to and extending in the same direction as said groove to completely fill the same, whereby said units are joined together through press fit and present substantially flush surfaces at the top and bottom of said units thus joined.

3. A monogram and like structure comprising a plurality of units each representing a letter of the alphabet, each unit having a front face and a rear face and being provided with a recess in at least one of said faces, the recess of one of said units in one of said faces being adapted to accommodate a predetermined portion of the other face of the other unit, and means located on the one face of said one unit adjacent said recess thereof and movable relative to the latter to releasably retain said predetermined portion of the other unit in said recess of said one unit.

4. A monogram and like structure comprising a plurality of units each forming a letter of the alphabet, each unit having a front face and a rear face and being provided with a plurality of spaced recesses aligned to each other and worked out in one of said faces, a predetermined recess of one of said units being adapted to accommodate a predetermined portion of another unit located at the other face thereof, whereby said units intersect with each other at said recess and form a unitary structure.

5. A monogram structure comprising at least one letter unit of the alphabet having a front face and a rear face and including substantially horizontal and vertical stroke portions, one of said horizontal portions being provided in one of said faces with a groove extending approximately parallel to the direction of said vertical portion, one of said vertical portions being provided in said one face with a groove extending approximately parallel to the direction of said horizontal portion, whereby another letter unit of the alphabet may be connected to said one letter unit by the engagement of horizontal and vertical portions of said other letter unit with said grooves, respectively, of said one letter unit.

6. A monogram according to claim 5, wherein said grooves are provided only in said rear face of said one letter unit, said front faces of both said letter units being shaped to thereby provide a substantially even top surface when said letter units are in said engagement with each other.

WALTER NUSSBAUM.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 926,741 Herzog July 6, 1909 1,505,290 Scanlan Aug. 19, 1924 2,065,918 Wolf Dec. 29, 1936 2,342,237 Barbieri Feb. 22, 1944 

